Fluid handling system and apparatus having explosive valves



J1me 1966 a. H. PURFURS'T 3,254,651

FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Filed July24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 use 38 ERNEST H. PURFURST,

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

June 7, 1966 E. H. PURFURST 3,254,661

FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Filed July24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ERNEST H. PURFURST,

INVENTOR.

FIG. 2 BY ATTORNEY.

June 7, 1966 H, u u s 3,254,661

FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUS HAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Filed July24, 1962 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 ERNEST H. PURFURST INVENTOR.

FIG. 4 BY ATTORNEY.

United States Patent 3,254,661 FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM AND APPARATUSHAVING EXPLOSIVE VALVES Ernest H. Purfurst, Houston, Tex., assignor toHallihnrton Company, Duncan, Okla, a corporation of Delaware Filed July24, 1962, Ser. No. 211,980 18 Claims. (Cl. 137-70) The present inventiongenerally relates to systems and apparatus for the control of fluidsand, more particularly, to fluid handling systems and apparatus whichare adapted for remote control operation in environments of hightemperature and pressure.

Although the system and apparatus of the invention are generally useful,they are particularly useful in connection with apparatus for obtainingfluid samples of earth formations traversed by a borehole. In theformation fluid sampler application, in addition to exposure to severeenvironmental temperature and pressure, the system and apparatus of theinvention are subjected to a great number of other operationalrequirements that bring out their various merits.

In a wireline formation fluid sampling apparatus, an ideal fluidhandling system and apparatus, in addition to exhibiting a high degreeof reliability of control and operation in the severe environment,should speed and facilitate handling of the sampler equipment duringredressing operations to. thereby minimize rig time expense, promote thesafety of operating personnel, be of small size so as to conserve spacewhich is at a premium in wireline service tools, and preventcontamination of both the fluid handling system itself as well as theborehole in which the sampling equipment is employed.

Prior art fluid handling systems and apparatus, as exemplified by thedevices of Chambers Patent No. 2,674,- 313 issued April 6, 1954, and ofMcMahan Patent No. 2,982,130 issued May 2, 1961, have failed to attainthis ideal in one or more particulars. By Way of illustration, one fluidhandling system of the prior art is self-fouling and self-contaminatingin operation because of debris from the explosive valves employed andanother system of the prior art normally leaves its various valve coversas undesirable junk in the borehole and is, in addition, a potentialsource of shrapnel to endanger personnel in event a valve isinadvertently fired while the sampler is being serviced.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of this invention to provide afluid handling system and apparatus which will more closely approach theideal by overcoming the foregoing and other disadvantages andshortcomings of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fluid handling systemand apparatus having improved effectiveness, efliciency, reliability,and which has a new construction and mode of operation not found inprior art devices.

Another object of this invention is ,the provision of an improvedelectrically controlled, explosively initiated valve apparatus which isactuatable in response to fluid pressure.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of an improvedfluid handling system adapted for operation at elevated temperatures andpressure.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a fluid handlingsystem employing components adapted for easy replacement and which aresimply redressable for re-employment in order that the maintenance ofthe fluid handling system may be facilitated, speeded and the attendantcost reduced.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a fluidhandling system employing explosive energy ice,

' wherein the quantities of such explosive required is minimized tothereby enhance safety.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a fluidhandling system incorporating explosive elements in a manner such thatmetal fragments and products of the explosive used are contained tothereby prevent contamination of the fluid system and the boreholeaswell as greatly reducing danger to service personnel.

A still furtherobject of the invention is the provision of a fluidhandling system incorporating a valve component adapted to plug in aspecially provided receptacle such that the valve componentsimultaneously engages with the electrical control system as well as thefluid lines of the system upon insertion of the Valve component into thereceptacle. 7

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved fluidhandling system adapted for operation in inaccessible locations underremote control.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a valveapparatus of simple construction which is readily miniaturizable foremployment in confined spaces.

Still another object of this invention is the provision of a family ofvalve components of generally similar construction which provides forflexibility of operation in order that a variety of valving functionsare readily obtainable.

Other and further objects of the invention will be obvious upon.an'understanding of the illustrative embodiments about to be describedor will be indicated in the appended claims. Various advantages notreferred to herein will occur to one skilled in the art upon theemployment of the invention to practice.

Preferred embodiments of the invention have been chosen for purposes ofillustration and description. The preferred embodiments are not intendedto beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed. They are chosen and described to best explain the principlesof the invention and its application in practical use to thereby enableothers skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in variousembodiments and'modifications as will be best adapted to the particularuses contemplated.

In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary view of a body, shown partially incross-section, incorporating the fluid handling system and apparatus ofthe invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the fluid handling system of FIG.1 schematically showing the manner in which the same may be employed inwireline formation fluid sampling equipment;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of FIG. 1 showing the normallyclosed valve thereof in its post-actuation position; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a modified fluid handling system employingthe normally-open type plug-in valve component of FIG. 1 (shown in itspost-actuation position) within a modified receptacle which provides forfluid flow directional control.

Described generally, a system and apparatus embodying the presentinvention, as shown in FIG. 1, is housed in a body 10 provided withfluid flow passageways opening into a plurality of valve receptacles,one in each of functionally separable portions 12, 14 and 16 of thebody. Electrical control wiring is provided within control wiringpassageways which communicate with each valve receptacle. A specificcontrol wire is associated with each receptacle and terminates at aspring-loaded brush type electrical contact disposed therein.

A plug-in valve device is removably engaged in each of the receptaclesand, when so engaged,.establishes electrical contact with the associatedelectrical control 'wire and, further, establishes a normal flowcondition in the passageways opening into the associated receptacle.

The plug-in valve devices of the system are characterized by thefollowing general construction. Each valve device is comprised of agenerally cylindrical valve carrier having a closed end and means toretain and seal the same within its associated receptacle. The carrieris further provided with a slip-ring in insulated relation thereto whichis adapted to engage a spring-loaded brush type contact associated withthe receptacle. Each valve device further includes a valve element insealed slidable engagement within its carrier and, further, in sealedslidable engagement within its associated receptacle wherein itestablishes the aforesaid normal flow condition within the fluidhandling system. The valve element is normally spaced from the closedend of its carrier by a frangible member in abutting relationtherebetween. An electrically fired blasting cap is provided in closeproximity to the material of the frangible member and in electricalcommunication with the slip-ring of the carrier.

The valve devices of the fluid handling system of the invention arecharacterized by the following general mode of operation. Normally, thevalve element is maintained in its normal spaced position by itsassociated frangible member which has suflicient compressive strength towithstand the force of any fluid pressures likely to be experienced bythe system. When operation of a particular valve device is desired, anelectrical signal is applied over the valve devices control wire to theassociated blasting cap. This signal fires the blasting cap which, inturn, fragments the frangible member to, in effect, remove the same.With the frangible member thus removed, the valve element may bedisplaced toward the closed end of the carrier by fluid pressure withinthe receptacle to thereby accomplish actuation whereby the normal'fluidflow condition of the fluid handling system is altered.

With further reference to the drawings, the fluid handling system andthe apparatus of the invention are shown in FIG. 1 to be embodied withinbody 10, which is com; prised of functionally separable portions 12, 14,and 16. These functionally separable portions may be denominatedrespectively as the equalization valve portion, the normally closedvalve portion and the normally open valve portion. These functionalportions of the fluid handling system are disposed in series within afluid handling channel 18 upon which each of the functional portionsimposes a first, or normal, flow condition and a second, or actuated,flow condition. The various functionally separable portions areindependent of one another in that each is responsive to a separateelectrical initiation signal for its operation or actuation.

The fluid handling system and apparatus of FIG. 1 are schematicallyshown in FIG. 2 wherein they are embodied as a sample fluid flow controlsection 42 in a schematically illustrated device which is adapted fortaking fluid samples from the sidewall of a well bore. As shown in FIG.2, a formation fluid sampling device of a generally well known type issuspended within a borehole 20 by means of a wireline 21 extending overa pulley 22 and on to a wireline reel 24.

In brief, the formation fluid sampler device, beginning at its lowerend, is comprised of a fluid pressure source section 26 adapted tosupply actuation pressure fluid by means of a spring-powered fluidpressure accumulator. A sampling section 28, located immediately abovethe source section 26, is provided with a resilient formation isolationpad member 36 and a wall engaging plate member 32 which are mounted onthe device by means of reciprocally movable plunger or actuator rods 33which extend from within actuator fluid chambers 34. The actuator fluidchambers 34 are communicated with each other and with the source section26 by means of a flow path 27 which is closedby an actuation valve 36prior to the time that actuation of the sampling section 28 is desired.At this time, the valve 36 is opened and fluid pressure from the source26 extends the rods upon which are mounted pad member 30 and platemember 32. Prior to actuation, the rods 33 are normally maintainedretracted within the actuator fluid chambers 34 by the force ofretraction springs 38 exerted to maintain the members 3% and 32retracted against the housing of the sampler device. When fluid pressurefrom source section 26 is applied to the rods 33, the members 30 and 32are forced into anchored engagement with the walls of the borehole 20.

The formation isolation pad member 34 is adapted to seal off an area ofthe borehole wall when forced thereagainst. An opening 40 is providedcentrally of the face of the pad member 30 and comprises a portion of aformation fluid sample flow channel 18' which flexibly extends from theface of the formation isolation pad member 30 upwardly into the body ofthe formation fluid sampling device through the sample fluid flowcontrol section 42 and into a chamber 44 provided for receiving a sampleof formation fluid.

. As has been indicated, the sample fluid flow control section 42illustrates one application of the fluid handling system and apparatusshown in FIG. 1. In this application, the equalizer valve portion 12serves to normally maintain the fluid flow integrity of the channel 18'but, when actuated, serves to open the channel 18' to ambient pressureexternally of the fluid sampling device to thereby equalize fluidpressures thereacross. The normally closed valve portion 14 of the fluidhandling system serves to normally block fluid flow in channel 18 fromthe formation under test to the sample chamber 44, but when actuated,permits fluid flow thereto. The normally open valve portion 16 serves asa normally open valve within the fluid flow channel 18' but whenactuated serves to block the flow of fluid within the sample line 18' tothereby shut in any fluid sample present within the chamber 44.

Referring to FIG. 1, and particularly to the equalizer valve portion 12thereof, it is seen that the body 10 is providedwith a receptacle recesscomprised of coaxial bore and counter bore portions including a sealbore 46, an electrical connection counter bore 48, a threaded retainerbore 59, a second seal bore 52 and an operator bore 54 having asubstantially reduced diameter. Fluid handling channel 18 communicatesthrough the second seal bore 52 by means of drilled passageways 56 and58.

A lateral recess 60 is provided within the body 10 which opens withinthe electrical connection counter bore 48 of the receptacle recess. Aspring-loaded brush contact subassembly 62 is disposed within thelateral recess 60 in a manner such that its contact per se 64 eX- tendswithin the receptacle recess at an angle with respect to the center linethereof. The brush contact subassembly 62 is comprised of an insulatingsleeve portion 66 which may be retained in the lateral recess by meansof a press fit. The sleeve portion 66 threadedly receives and insulatesa plunger assembly 68 which includes the contact per se 64. The plungerassembly may be of a commercially available type known as 8-51 RoundSilvernose manufactured by the Vlier Engineering Corp. of Los Angeles,California. A firing lead wire 70 is electrically connected to theplunger 68 by means of a clamping nut 69. The firing lead wire extendswithin a wiring passageway 72 which intersects the electrical counterbore 48 of the receptacle recess and which provides a wiring passagewayor conduit to a remote firing signal control means, not shown.

A type I plug-in component, generally indicated as 74, is removablyreceived within the receptacle recess of equalizing valve portion 12. Asreceived in the receptacle recess, the. plug-in component 74 is sealedwith respect to the seal bore 46 by means of a valve carrier 76 whichfunctions to isolate one end of the recess from the exteriorsurroundings of the body It The valve carrier 76 also functions to sealthe second seal bore 52 to the receptacle recess to thereby isolate thedrilled passageways 56 and 58 from communication with the electricalconnection counter bore 48 of the recess. The valve carrier 76 is agenerally cylindrical member having a blind bore 78 which opens towardthat end of the carrier that when installed is toward the second sealbore 52.

On the exterior of the carrier 76 are provided first and second 0 ringseals adapted, when the carrier is inserted within the receptacle, torespectively seal the seal bore 46 and the second seal bore 52.Intermediate of the first and second seals, the exterior of the valvecarrier 76 is provided with an externally threaded portion to engage thethreaded retainer bore 50 of the recess. Intermediate this threadedportion and the first O ring seal, the valve carrier is provided with anannular groove portion 80 in which an insulator 82 is received. Theinsulator 82 has a L-shaped cross section and is split longitudinally toenable it to be assembled within the annular groove portion 80. Aslip-ring contact 84 having a triangular cross section and a cylindricalbore is press fitted over the tail portion ofthe L-shaped cross sectionof the insulator 82 and functions to retain the split portions thereofwithin the annular groove portion 80. The slipring contact 84 is thuselectrically insulated from the carrier 76 but, when the carrier isinserted in its receptacle, the slip-ring is disposed within theelectrical connection counter bore 48 in a manner to engage the contactper se 64 of the brush contact subassembly 62 which is disposed therein.

The carrier 76 further includes'an internal contact 86 mounted within aninsulator 88 which, in turn, is press fitted within the blind bore 78,at the blind end thereof. A passageway 90 communicates through the wallof the carrier such that a wire 92 establishes electrical continuitybetween the slip-ring contact 84 and the internal contact 86.

Although the assembly'of the slip-ring contact with its associatedinsulator and the internal contact withits insultator are desirablyassembled by means of press fits, other means may be employed such asgluing with epoxy resin compound.

The bore 78 of the carrier 76 is provided with a shoulder spaced fromits blind end as well as from the contact 86 therein. A hearing member94 is provided within the bore 78 in abutting relation to the shoulderjust mentioned. The bearing member is counter bored adjacent theinternal contact 86 to receive a bearing member insulator 96, generallyresembling a hat with its crown end pressed into the counter bore of thebearing member.

The brim or flanged portion of the insulator 96 is disposed to generallyinsulate the surface of the bearing that when it is disposedintermediate the bearing mem-- ber 94 in the valve element 110, thevalve element is spaced and maintained thereby at its normal positionmember adjacent the internal contact of the carrier. The

. tact spring 98.-

The type I plug-in valve component 74 comprises, in addition to thecarrier 76, a valve element 110 which is provided as the immediatelyeffective fluid flow control element of the plug-in component. The valveelement 110 is comprised of first and second piston portions which areprovided with an O ring seal 111 and an O ring seal 112 whichrespectively provide for sealing engagement of the first piston portionwithin the bore 78 in which this portion is slidable and for sealingengagement of the second piston portion within the operator bore 54 inwhich the second piston portion is slidable.

The confronting surfaces of the valve'element 110 and the bearingelement 94 within the bore 78 are each provided with aligneddepressionwhich serve to maintain a sleeve member 112A in a centralized positiontherebewithin the open end of the bore 78.

The sleeve member 112A is provided of frangible material. This materialmay be any frangible material of suitable strength, but is preferablyASTM Bl0859T Cast Aluminum Alloy CS 72A.

When the plug-in component 74 is inserted within the receptacle recess,the second piston portion of the valve element extends withintheoperator bore 54 'of the recess and is sealed with respect thereto bythe O ring seal 112. Any fluid pressure within the operator bore isexerted on the area elfectively defined by the O ring seal 112. Thisfluid pressure develops a force tending to displace the valve element110 toward the bearing member 94. The sleeve member 112A is loaded as acolumn by this force, and normally opposes the displacement of the valveelement.

Within the bore of the sleeve member 112A is provided an electricallyignitable or initiatable explosive element 113 which has one of its leadwires communicated in insulated relation through the bore in the bearingmember to the spring contact 98. The other lead wire is suitablygrounded. In the case where the sleeve member is provided of conductivematerial, the second lead may be grounded thereto. In event the sleevemember is provided for non-conductive material such as glass, the secondlead wire may be grounded to the bearing member 94. Although explosiveelement 113 may take any suitable form, a commercially availableblasting cap, Du Pont No. E86 combination primer, has been found to bevery efiective for fragmenting or dissolving the sleeve member 112A whenthe same is comprised of the aforementioned cast aluminum alloy.

It is to be noted that when the plug-in component 74 is in place withinits receptacle recess, the end of the carrier 76 falls somewhat short ofextending to the bottom of the second seal bore 52 and that passageways56 and 58 are fluidly communicated by an annular space defined betweenthe end of the carrier, the bottom of the recess and about the firstpiston portion of the valve element.

When it is desired that the pressurein thepassageways 56 and 58 beequalized with ambient pressure externally of the body 10, an electricalsignal is applied to the firing lead wire 70 which, in turn, fires theexplosive element- 113. The ensuing blast from the explosive operates tofragment the sleeve member 112A and thereby effectively removes the sameas an eflective load bearing structure. Once the sleeve member has beenso removed, ambient pressure acting in the operator bore 54 is per-vmitted to displace the piston element 110 toward the bearing member 94.With this displacement, the second piston portion of the valve element110 moves .out

'of sealing engagement with the operator bore 54 and communicates thesame with the passageways 56 and 58., The post-actuation disposition ofthe valve element 110 within the plug-in component 74 is shown in FIG.3. It is to be noted that the fragments of the sleeve member 112A aswell as those of the explosive element 113 are contained within the bore78 when the valve element is actuated. The gases evolved from theexplosive element 113 are also isolated with respect to the fluidpassageways by means of the O ring seal of the first piston portion ofthe valve element 110. The gases from the explosion are, however,permitted to expand through the interconnecting passageways of theplug-in component, into the electric connection counter bore 48 andthence into the wiring passageway 72 where pressure of the gases may bedissipated.

The drilled passageway 58 communicates from the receptacle recess of theequalizing valve portion 12 into the receptacle recess of the normallyclosed valve portion 14. It is to be noted that, in making thiscommunication with the recess of normally closed valve portion 14, thepassageway 58 communicates with the operator bore 54 thereof which isplugged by a block 114 to'isolate the passageway from the exterior ofthe body 10. In all other respects the configuration of the receptaclerecess of normally closed valve portion 14 is identical with that ofequalizer valve portion 12, with the one exception that no throughcommunication is provided through the valve recess in its normalcondition. The recess ofportion 12 receives a plug-in component 74'which is identical withplug-in component 74.

The signal for initiation of actuation of the valve element of plug-incomponent 74' is communicated thereto by a firing lead wire 115 whichelectrically communicates the firing signal through the conduitpassageway 72 in parallel with the lead wire 71), previously described.

Fluid in the drilled passageway 58, which serves as the inlet to thereceptacle recess of the normally closed valve portion 14, is normallyblocked off in the operator bore 54' by the seal 112' maintained thereinby the valve element of the plug-in component 74. Outlet passageways116A and 116B are provided to complete the flow channel 18 through thenormally closed valv por-.

tion 14.

When the plug-in component '74 of normally closed valve portion 14 isactuated (this actuation is the same as has been described in connectionwith the plug-in component 74 of the equalizing valve portion 12), thevalve element 110' thereof is displaced within the carrier thereof todisplace the O ring seal 112' out of sealing engagement with theoperator bore 54. With the displacement of the seal 112, the passageway58 is communicated.

with the outlet passageway 115A-116B and opens flow channel 18 into thenormally open valve portion 16 of the body 10.

The normally open valve portion 16 is provided with a receptacle recesswhich is generally similar to the recess described in connection withthe equalizing valve portion 12. This recess is adapted to receive atype II plug-in component, generally indicated as 118. The recess,beginning from its component-receiving end, is provided with a groovefor installation of a spring type locking ring 119. Next, the recessprovides a seal bore portion for sealing with respect to an O ring sealin the plug-in component 118 for the purpose of isolating the receptaclerecess from the exterior of the body 10. Next, inwardly from the sealbore portion, the recess is provided with an electrical connectioncounter bore 121 which is identical to the previously describedelectrical connection counter bore 48, with the exception of beinglarger in diameter. Next, inwardly of the electrical connection counterbore 121, the recess is provided with an annular groove 122 havingsealing lands at either side thereof which are adapted to seal withrespect to O ring seals 123 and 124 on the carrier of the plug-incomponent to thereby isolate the annular groove 122. Next, inwardly ofthe annular groove 112, a second annular groove 125 is provided intowhich the passageway 116B communicates. The bore of the receptaclerecess continues past the annular groove 125 to provide a valve elementseal bore 126. The receptacle recess then reduces in diameter to form anoperator bore 127 which communicates to the opposite surface of the body10.

The type II plug-in component 118 is comprised of a carrier 130 having agenerally cylindrical shape and a blind central bore 131. On theexterior of the carrier, successively spaced from the blind end, arelocated the previously mentioned 0 ring seals 120, 124, and 123. A slipring contact member 132 is provided between 0 ring seals 120 and 124 andis insulated with respect to the carrier by a longitudinally splitinsulator 133 interposed between the slip-ring and the carrier within agroove provided therein. The construction of the slip-ring contact 132and its associated insulator 133 are similar to 8' their counterpartsincluded in the type I plug-in component 74.

When the carrier 130 is properly inserted within the receptacle recess,the slip-ring contact 132 engages a spring loaded brush contactsubassembly 62 disposed within the electrical connection counter bore121 and establishes electric contact therewith. The brush contactsubassembly 62' is identical in all respects to the previously describedcontact 62.

The carrier 130 is provided with holes 134, which radially communicatecarrier exterior with the carrier bore 131 intemediate seals 123 and124. The carrier 136 is additionally provided with radial holes 135which communicate the carrier exterior with the carrier bore 131. Whenthe carrier 130 is properly inserted within the receptacle recess (asshown), the open end of the carrier extends such that the radial holes135 communicate the annular groove 125 with the carrier bore 131 and theradial holes 134 communicate the annular groove 122 with the carrierbore 131. The annular groove 122 communicates with a drilled passageway136 which completes flow channel 18 through the body 10.

The bore 131 of the carrier 130 is provided at its blind end with astepped, somewhat reduced diameter extension in which an internalcontact 138 and an insulator 138 are provided. The internal contactportion 138 is electrically connected to the slip-ring contact 132 bymeans of a wire 139 which passes through a drilled passageway 141 whichcommunicates through the body of the carrier 13%).

A bearing member 142 is provided in coaxial relation to the bore 131 andin longitudinaly spaced relation to the internal contact 138 by virtueof the bearing member seating within the stepped portion of the reduceddiameter extension of the carrier bore 131. The bearing member 142 iscounter bored at its end, toward the blind end of the carrier bore 131,to receive a bearing member insulator 144 which is similar to thepreviously described bearing member insulator 96. The bearing memberinsulator 144 is provided with a coaxial bore which receives a springcontact 146 which resiliently and electrically contacts the internalcontact 138. The bearing member 142 is also provided with a coaxialpassageway whereby an electrical wire may communicate for electricalconnection with the spring contact 146.

A valve element 148 functions as the immediate fluid flow controllingelement of the type II plug-in component. The valve element 148 iscomprised of an operator extension 149 upon which is mounted an O ringseal 150 in sealed slidable engagement within the operator bore 127. Thevalve element 148 also includes a somewhat larger cylindrical portionwhich engages both the seal bore 126 and the carrier bore 131. Thecylindrical portion of the valve element 148, in its normal position,seals the seal bore 126 by means of an O ring seal 152 provided thereon.The cylindrical portion of the valve element is provided with a second 0ring seal 153, spaced from the seal 152, which seals the valve elementwith respect to the bore 131 at a point intermediate the holes 135 andthe open end of the carrier. The cylindrical portion of valve element148 is additionally provided with a third 0 ring seal 154 whichsealingly engages the carrier bore 131. The cylindrical portion of thevalve element is provided with a groove 155, intermediate the O ringseals 153 and 154, having a length so as to normally provide fluidcommunication from radial holes 135 to radial holes 134 within thecarrier bore. Thus, when the valve element 148 is in its normal positionwith respect to its carrier 130 within its receptacle recess, fluid inthe passageway 116B may communicate from annular groove 125, through theradial holes 135, via the annular groove 155 in the valve element, andout through radial holes 134 into the annular groove 122 and passageway136.

The cylindrical portion of valve element 148 is proby a plug 12 videdwith a blind bore 157 which opens toward and telescopically engages thebearing member 142. A sleeve member-158 is maintained in a centralizedrelation in the bore 157 between the bottom thereof and the bearingmember 142. Centralization of the sleeve is assured by means ofcentralizing depressions provided in the confronting surfaces of thebottom of the bore 157 and the end of the bearing member 142. The sleevemember 158 is of appropriate length to maintain the valve element 148 inthe just described normal position and is of sufiicient strength towithstand the force of fluid pressures exerted on the end of theoperator extension 149. The bore of the sleeve member 158 is providedwith a shoulder 159 which serves as a seat for spacing an explosivedevice 160 therein. The explosive device 160 is desirably the same asthe previously described explosive device 113 employed in connectionwith the type I plug-in component 74. As in the case of the type Iplug-in component, one electrical connection of the explosive device 160is grounded to the sleeve member 158 and the other is fed in insulatedfashion through the central bore of the bearing member 142 whereelectrical connection is made with the spring contact 146.

When it is desired to operate thenormally open valve portion 16, anelectrical signal is supplied to the firing lead wire 138 and iscommunicated by means of the brush contact subassembly 62', theslip-ring contact 132, wire 139, internal contact 138, and springcontact 146 to ignite the explosive device 160. The explosive device 160accomplishes fragmentation of the sleeve member 158 in the same manneras has been described in connection with the operation of equalizingvalve portion 12. Upon its fragmentation, the sleeve member 158 iseffectively removed as a load carrying member which normally positionsthe valve element 148 with respect to the carrier bore 131 and with thereceptacle recess. Upon the removal of the sleeve member 158, the forceof ambient fluid pressure externally of the body operates to displacethe valve element 148 toward the blind end of the carrier bore 131. Withthis displacement, the O ring seals 152 and 153 are moved into straddlerelationship to the radial holes 135 to effectively seal off the sameand block fluid communication between passageway 116B and passageway 136to thereby stop 01f fluid flow in the fluid flow channel 18.

The post-actuation disposition of the type II plug-in component 118 isillustrated in FIG. 4 wherein a type II plug-in component 118, which isidentical with'the plugin component 118, is shown disposed within amodified receptacle recess which enables the type II plug-in component118'. to exert directional control over the fluid flow handling systemof a body 10'.

The receptacle recess provided in the body 10 is generally identicalwith the receptacle recess previously described in connection with thenormally open valve portion 16 of FIG. 1 and similar portions, to whichreference is made, will be designated by similar reference numeralscarrying prime designations. As was the case of the previously describedreceptacle recess for receiving the type II plug-in component 118, thereceptacle recess in the body 10' is provided with an annular groove 122which communicates with a normally open passageway 136, an annulargroove 125 which communicates with an inlet passageway 116', a valveelement seal bore 126', and an operator bore 127'.

To provide for directional flow control operation, the receptacle recessof FIG. 4 is modified in the following respects from the similarreceptacle recess described in connection with the normally opened valveportion 16 of FIG. 1. The body 10' is provided with a normally closedpassageway .136" which communicates with the receptacle recess at ashoulder thereof intermediate the seal bore 126' and the operator bore127'. The operator bore 127' is sealed off from the surroundings of thebody 10' The operator bore 127', intermediate of the end of the operatorextension 149 and the plug 127", is fluidly communicated with'the inletpassageway 116 by means of a branch passageway 116".

Prior to actuation of the type H plug-in component 118', the valveelement148' thereof is maintained in its normal position by a sleevemember 158 (shown in its fragmented condition in the drawing). In thisnormal position, a flow channel is opened from inlet passageway 116'through the radial holes 135', via the spool groove 155', radial holes134' and into the normally opened passageway 136'. In this unactuated ornormal position, an O ring seal 152' is in sealed engagement with thevalve element seal bore 126 and fluid flow is blocked from flowingtherethrough into the normally closed outlet passageway 136".

The force to actuate or displace valve element 148', within its carrier,is provided by fluid pressure in'the operator bore 127' communicatedthereto through the branch passageway 116 from the inlet passageway116'.

The pressure in the operator bore 127 is exerted on the effective areaof an operator extension 149' of the valve element 148 to provideactuation force for displacing the valve element. Displacement isprevented by sleeve member 158' opposing the same but when the sleevemember is fragmented (as shoum) the force of fluid pressure shifts thevalve element 148 into the position shown and operates to close 013? thenormally open communication between the inlet passageway 116' andnormally opened outlet passageway 136' in the same manner as has beendescribed in connection with the operation with the normally open valveportion 16 of FIG. 1. Also, with the actuation or displacement of thevalve element 148', the O ring seal 152' moves out of sealing engagementwithin the seal bore 126' and permits fluid flow to take place betweenthe inlet passageway 116' through the seal bore 126' and into thenormally closed passageway 136".

Thus, it is seen that upon the operation of the type II plug-incomponent 118' within the receptacle recess of FIG. 4, fluid flow frominlet passageway 116 is shifted from normally opened passageway 136' tonormally closed passageway 136" to accomplish directional control of thefluid flow. The signal to initiate the operation of the plug-incomponent 118 of FIG. 4 is communicated to the same by means of firinglead wire 138".

Thus, it is seen that the present invention provides a novel fluidhandling system and apparatus which achieves the various objects of theinvention and which is particularly and advantageously useful inconnection with formation fluid sampling devices. When the system andapparatus of the invention are so employed, significant improvement inthe reliability of such devices is achieved as wellas a reduction in theoverall cost of obtaining samples as affected by the reduction in rigtime necessary for the servicing of the valve components thereof. It isfurther seen that the system and apparatus of the present inventionprovides electrically controlled, explosively initiated, andhydraulically operated fluid handling system and apparatus which providefor increased safety of operation and for prevention of contamination ofthe fluid flow passageways of the system by debris and other foreignmatter. Further, it is seen that thesystem and apparatus of theinvention provides a family of plug-in As various changes may be made inthe form, construc tion and arrangement of the elements herein disclosedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and withoutsacrificing any of its advantages, it is to ll '5. be understood thatall matter herein is to be interpreted to be illustrative and not in anylimiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a receptacleand a plurality of fluid flow passageways opening thereinto; saidreceptacle provided with an electrical control circuit contact and aretaining means; a plug-in valve deviceremovably secured in saidreceptacle by said retaining means; said valve device including a valvecarrier in sealed engagement with said receptacle; a valve element insealed slidable engagement with said valve carrier and with saidreceptacle blocking fluid flow in a first one of said passageways, anddisplaceable with respect thereto in response to fluid pressure; adissolvable member in bridging relation to said carrier and elementnormally maintaining said element in a first position establishing afirst flow condition in said system; an initiator in contiguous relationto said dissolvable member; a signal contact in insulated relation tosaid carrier, in engagement With said control circuit contact and inelectrical communication with said initiator; said initiator adapted inresponse to electrical signal to dissolve and elfectively remove saiddissolvable member to thereby permit displacement of said valve elementwhereby the flow condition of said system is altered.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve carrier has a cylindricalbore closed at one end, said valve element is disposed for movement insaid bore, and said dissolvable member is a compression member locatedin said bore and disposed between said valve element and said closedend.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said compression member is a tubularcolumn and said initiator is housed in the bore thereof.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein said compression member is of frangiblematerial and said initiator is an explosive blasting cap adapted tofragment the same.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve element in said firstposition normally maintains a flow channel through said receptaclecomprised. of second and third ones of said passageways in an opencondition.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve element in said firstposition normally maintains first and second flow channels through saidreceptacle respectively comprised of second and third and second andfourth ones of said passageways in normally open and normally closedconditions respectively.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said valve element normally maintains afiow channel through said receptacle comprised of said first passagewayin a closed position.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein a flow channel through said receptaclecomprised of second and third of said flow passageways is open to fluidflow in said first position of said valve element and, when said valveelement is displaced, said first passageway is opened into said flowchannel to provide an open flow network comprised of said first, second,and third passageways.

9. A plug-in valve device adapted for insertion and sealed receptionwithin a recess of a body, said body having fluid flow passagewayscommunicating with said recess and said recess provided with anelectrical control contact, said plug-in valve device comprising: avalve carrier, a valve element in slidable engagement with said carrierand adapted for displacement with respect thereto in response to fluidpressure; a frangible restraint member in bridging relation to saidcarrier and element normally restraining said element from displacementwith respect to said carrier; a signal circuit contact mounted on saidcarrier in insulated relation thereto adapted to engage said controlcontact of said recess responsive to insertion of said carrier therein;and an explosive element in contiguous relation to said frangiblerestraint member and electrically communicated with said signal circuitcontact, said explosive element adapted in response to electrical signalto explode and fragmentize said restraint member and permit fluidpressure to displace said valve element in said carrier.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said valve carrier has a bore closedat one end and said valve element is disposed therein in sealed relationto the Walls thereof.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said frangible restraint member andsaid explosive element are disposed in said bore intermediate saidclosed end and said valve element whereby gaseous and other products ofthe explosion of said explosive element and fragmentation of saidfrangible restraint are contained in said valve carner.

12. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with areceptacle and a plurality of fluid flow channels in communicationtherewith; said receptacle provided with an electrical control circuitcontact and a retaining means; a plug-in valve device removably. securedin said receptacle by said retaining means; said plug-in valve deviceincluding a valve carrier in sealed engagement with said receptacle;said valve carrier provided with an electrical signal contact contactingsaid control circuit contact; a valve element in said carrier in sealedslidable engagement therewith and with said receptacle and displaceabletherein in response to fluid pressure in one of said flow channels; afrangible restraint member in bridging relation to said carrier andelement normally maintaining said element in a first positionestablishing a normal flow condition in said system; =a disintegratorelement electrically interconnected with said signal contact and adaptedto effectuate in response to electrical signal a disintegration of saidrestraint member to thereby permit displacement of said valve element,whereby the normal flow condition of said system is altered.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said valve carrier has a bore closedat one end, said valve element is disposed in said bore in sealedrelation to the walls thereof, said disintegrator element includes anexplosive, and both said disintegrator element and said frangiblerestraint member are disposed in said bore intermediate said closed endand said valve element whereby any residue from said member and anyresidue from said disintegrator element are contained in said bore uponsaid eifectuation and contamination of said fluid system is prevented.

14. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a generallycylindrically shaped receptacle; said receptacle provided with retainermeans, springloaded electrical signal contact disposed at an angle withrespect to the centerline of said receptacle, and a plurality ofopenings communicating with flow passageways in said body; a plug-invalve device sealingly engaged and removably secured in said receptacleby said retainer means; said plug-in device incorporating a flow controlelement adapted for displacement to a second position responsive tofluid pressure but normally maintained in a first position blocking atleast one of said openings and determinative of a first flow conditionin said system by a restraint member; said restraint member adapted todissolve responsive to an electrical signal to enable fluid pressure inone of said passageways to shift the flow control element from saidfirst position to said second position and establish a second flowcondition in said system; and said plug-in valve device furtherincorporating a surface of revolution electrically interconnecting saidrestraint member with said signal contact whereby said inter-connectionis properly made when said plug-in device is retained in said receptaclewithout regard to the relative rotational disposition of said pluginvalve device therein.

15. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with areceptacle and a plurality of fluid flow channels in communicationtherewith; said receptacle provided with an electrical control circuitcontact and a retaining means; a plug-in valve device removably securedin said receptacle by said retaining means; said valve device'includinga valve carrier in sealed engagement with said receptacle; a valveelement in said carrier in sealed slidable engagement therewith and withsaid receptacle and displaceable therein in response to fluid pressurein one of said flow channels; a frangible restraint member in bridgingrelation to said carrier and element normally maintaining said elementin a first position establishing a first flow condition in said system;a disintegrator element in contiguous relation to said frangiblerestraint members; -a signal contact in insulated relation to saidcarrier, in engagement with said control circuit contact and inelectrical communication with said disintegrator element; saiddisintegrator element adapted in response to electrical signal torupture said restraint member to thereby permit displacement of saidvalve element whereby the flow condition of said system is altered.

16. A plug-in valve device adapted for insertion and sealed receptionwithin a recess of a body, said body having a plurality of fluid flowpassageways communicating with said recess and said recess provided withan electrical control contact, said plug-in valve device comprising: avalve carrier; a valve element in slidable engagement with said carrierand adapted, when received in said recess, to block fluid flow in atleast one of said passageways to thereby control fluid flow therein;said valve element further adapted for displacement with respect to saidcarrier in response to fluid pressure; a dissolvable member in bridgingrelation to said carrier and element normally restraining said elementfrom displacement with respect to said carrier; a signal circuit contactmounted on said carrier in insulated relation thereto adapted to engagesaid control contact of said recess responsive to insertion of saidcarrier therein; and initiator means in contiguous relation to saidmember and electrically communicated with said signal circuit contact,said initiator element adapted in response to electrical signal todissolve said dissolvable member and permit fluid pressure to displacesaid valve element in said carrier.

17. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided with a generallycylindrically shaped receptacle; said receptacle provided with retainermeans, an electrical signal contact, and a plurality of openingscommunicating with flow passageways in said body; a plug-in valve devicesealingly engaged in said receptacle and removably secured therein bysaid retainer means; said plug-in device incorporating a flow controlelement adapted for displacement to a second position responsive tofluid pressure but normally maintained in a first position by arestraint member; a seal carried by said fiow control elementdeterminative of a first fluid flow condition in said system when saidelement is in said first position; said restraint member adapted todissolve responsive to an electrical signal to enable fluid pressure inone of said passageways to shiftthe flow control element from said firstposition to said second position whereby said seal, in moving therewith,establishes a second flow condition in said system; and said plug-invalve device further incorporating a surface of revolution electricallyinterconnecting said restraint member with said signal contact wherebysaid interconnection is properly made when said plug-in device isretained in said receptacle without regard to the relative rotationaldisposition of said plug-in valve device therein.

18. A fluid handling system comprising: a body provided witha generallycylindrical receptacle; said receptacle provided with retainer means anda plurality of openings communicating with flow passageways in saidbody; a plug-in valve device sealingly engaged and removably secured insaid receptacle by said retainer means; said plug-in valve device havinga bore closed at one end; a valve element in sealed slidable engagementwith said bore and receptacle and displaceable therein in response tofluid pressure in one of said passageways; dissolvable means interposedintermediate said closed end and said valve element normally restrainingsaid element against displacement in said bore; a release meanscontiguous to said dissolvable means adapted in response to electricalsignal to dissolve the same; first and second engaging electricalcontacts disposed respectively in insulated relation to said receptacleand plug-in valve device; said first contact in connection with a systemcontrol circuit and said second contact in connection with said releasemeans; one of said contacts comprising a surface of revolution about theaxis of said receptacle and the other of said contacts comprising aspring-loaded brush assembly in biased relation to said surface, wherebysaid plug-in valve device may be received in said receptacle andelectrical interconnection of said release means and control circuitproperly obtained irrespective of the relative rotational dispositionthereof.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,587,933 3/1952Volpin l3770 2,938,529 5/1960 Olson 137-68 2,963,259 12/ 1960 Heyer137454.2 X

FOREIGN PATENTS 772,673 4/ 1957 Great Britain.

ISADOR WEIL, Primary Examiner.

J. DEATON, R. GERARD, Assistant Examiners.

1. A FLUID HANDLING SYSTEM COMPRISING: A BODY PORVIDED WITH A RECEPTACLEAND A PLURALITY OF FLUID FLOW PASSAGEWAYS OPENING THEREINTO; SAIDRECEPTACLE PROVIDED WITH AN ELECTRICAL CONTROL CIRCUIT CONTACT AND ARETAINING MEANS; A PLUG-IN VALVE DEVICE REMOVABLY SECURED IN SAIDRECEPTACLE BY SAID RETAINING MEANS; SAID VALVE DEVICE INCLUDING A VALVECARRIER IN SEALED SLIDABLE ENGAGEMENT RECEPTACLE; A VALVE ELEMENT INSEALED SLIDABLE ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID VALVE CARRIER AND WITH SAIDRECEPTACLE BLOCKING FLUID FLOW IN A FIRST ONE OF SAID PASSAGEWAYS, ANDDISPLACEABLE WITH RESPECT THERETO IN RESPONSE TO FLUID PRESSURE; ADISSOLVABLE MEMBER IN BRIDGING RELATION TO SAID CARRIER AND ELEMENTNORMALLY MAINTAINING SAID ELEMENT IN A FIRST POSITION ESTABLISHING AFIRST FLOW CONDITION IN SAID SYSTEM; AN INITIATOR IN CONTIGUOUS RELATIONTO SAID DISSOLVABLE MEMBER; A SIGNAL CONTACT IN INSULATED RELATION TOSAID CARRIER, IN ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID CONTROL CIRCUIT CONTACT AND INELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION WITH SAID INITIATOR; SAID INITIATOR ADAPTED INRESPONSE TO ELECTRICAL SIGNAL TO DISSOLVE AND EFFECTIVELY REMOVE SAIDDISSOLVABLE MEMBER TO THEREBY PERMIT DISPLACEMENT OF SAID VALVE ELEMENTWHEREBY THE FLOW CONDITION OF SAID SYSTEM IS ALTERED.